MonticelloLive

ARKANSAS CITY - Due to exceptionally high water levels, the Southeast Arkansas Levee District has temporarily closed the levees in its district to all unauthorized vehicle traffic.

The elevated water from area rivers has displaced many wildlife species to the few areas of high ground. Specifically, deer have relocated to the levee system and are concentrated on the high ground.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is concerned that traffic on the levee system could be considered harassment of wildlife. The levees also contain a number of alligators that could pose a safety problem for motorists.

According to the levee district, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is monitoring the levees in the district on a daily basis to ensure the structure’s integrity. When the floodwaters receded to an acceptable level, the levee district will reopen the roads to vehicle traffic.